Scientific name

Pteropus giganteus Brunnich

Common name

Indian flying fox / Fruit bat

Hindi

Bada Chamkathad / Baddur/ Gadal

Sanskrit 

Vrikshabhaksha

Distribution

Throughout India

Religious association

The Indian flying fox, better known as the fruit bat, is the only species of bat that is regarded as sacred.

In Karnataka, fruit bats are protected at the Bavali Vana sacred grove at Koli village, Belthangadi Taluk; at the Lakshmi Temple at Puttur, Dakshin Kannada; and at Belur in Hassan district.

They are also considered sacred and protected in Puliangulam, Keelarajakularaman, Sri Vaikundam all in Tamil Nadu.